MILWAUKEE -- Officials with the City of Milwaukee Health Department released a statement Saturday, Feb. 29 in the wake of the shooting at Miller Brewery Wednesday, Feb. 26 that took the lives of five Molson Coors employees -- gunned down by a co-worker at the sprawling brewery complex on Milwaukee's west side.
In an email to Miller Brewery employees Saturday, company leaders announced the office will open Monday, March 2 — with workers having the option to return, but they’re not required to do so. There will be extra security throughout the Miller Valley, the email said.
Authorities identified the victims as 60-year-old Dale Hudson; 61-year-old Gene Levshetz; 33-year-old Jesus Valle Jr.; 57-year-old Dana Walk; and 33-year-old Trevor Wetselaar.
About the victims
Dale Hudson left behind a wife. He was a 2001 graduate of MATC -- and a long-time member of IBEW 494.
Gene Levshetz was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. According to his obituary, Levshetz was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put his family's needs before his own. The Levshetz family issued the following statement:
Jesus Valle leaves behind a wife, two young children, and many family members. FOX6 News spoke with Valle's cousin who shared some of his favorite memories -- and a message to the community.
Dana Walk was also a loving husband and father of three. His union described Walk as an avid fisherman and a devout journeyman.
Trevor Wetselaar was a loving husband, decorated Navy veteran, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Support for victims' families from bars, restaurants
Dugout 54 fundraiser
Dugout 54 fundraiser
Customers who purchased Miller products at Dugout 54 on Bluemound Road near Hawley Road and about a dozen other bars in the Greater Milwaukee area Saturday night, Feb. 29 donated a portion of their payment to a fund for the families.
"The tragedy is unbelievable, and we're just trying to give back to the families that support us," said Dave Grycan, co-owner. "Another senseless act of violence -- for what?"
"It was very surprising, very shocking," said Jeff Voss, customer. "I think it`s great, as the community is coming together."
Some were only able to donate the few coins and dollars they had to spare -- wishing they could do more for those feeling the pain most.
Dugout 54 fundraiser
"Everybody's been very supportive," said Grycan.
"Milwaukee will probably always remember this," said Voss.
Brew City Brand T-shirts
Brew City Brand is supporting the victims of the Miller Brewery shooting with #MillerStrong T-shirts.
Wisconsin Harley-Davidson fundraiser
Wisconsin Harley-Davidsonscheduled a St. Patrick's-themed March 17 fundraiser to collect monetary donations for the families from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wisconsin Harley will donate $1 of every green Miller Lite beer sold to the families affected by the shooting.
Monetary donations can be made through the event’s website here.
A Butler kindergartener made it her mission to create cards for every Miller employee -- using her creativity to show support.
Aris Sports Bar fundraiser
At Aris Sports Bar in West Allis, organizers planned to donate half of the bar's weekend proceeds following the shooting to the victims' families, and organizers planned the same at Pallas Restaurant.
McBob's Pub and Grill fundraiser
Erin Reynolds, manager at McBob's Pub and Grill started a collection for the victims' families.
"We're running a special, between now and Sunday night (March 1), $1 of all Miller Coors sales, $1 of each sale, will go to the families -- to the victims of this tragedy," Reynolds said.
McBob's, Spitfires on State, and Saz's State House were all there to comfort workers in the moments after the mass shooting at Miller.
Sunday, March 1 vigil at Milwaukee's City Hall
A "Milwaukee Strong" vigil for the Miller Brewery shooting victims was scheduled for Sunday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, hosted by the following agencies:
SKYFOX: Shooting incident near Miller Brewery, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will be among the speakers honoring the lives lost.
"The Miller family has been part of Milwaukee for 165 years," Barrett said. "They've been there for us. I think it's important for us to be there for them."
"We will be giving out information on the crisis hotline," said Darryl Morin, lead organizer of the 80% Coalition. "We want people to know that there's always somebody who can hear, who can help. We are there to support you."
Everyone is welcome.
Monday, March 2 vigil at Gesu
A community vigil was scheduled for Monday, March 2, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Church of the Gesu (1145 W. Wisconsin Avenue).
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with a program to begin at 5 p.m. Pastor Lisa Bates-Froiland from Redeemer Lutheran Church will preside over the vigil. Reflections will also be offered by community and spiritual leaders, including Marquette President Michael Lovell.
Everyone is welcome.
Milwaukee Health Department statement
Help for the victims' families
Molson Coors established a GoFundMe Friday dedicated to the family members of those lost in Wednesday's tragedy, donating $500,000 to victims' families. That puts the Miller Valley Survivors Fund halfway to its goal of $1,000,000.
If you are interested in donating to the Miller Valley Survivors Fund, CLICK HERE.
Resources and support